I've stayed away from the TV series, because I have only read the first two books. Will I encounter any spoilers for the future books if I watch the first 2 seasons? I haven't read any of this thread, so that may have already been answered.

So far I believe everything has been from the first 2 books. It's possible that they could touch on some of book 3 at the end of this season though.

Certainly you can watch Season 1 though... it's pretty much all from book 1 except that they included the first Arya chapter from Book 2 in the last episode, and one other scene in the finale was part of a chapter in book 2.

Here is how season 2 ends, descriptions of last 3 episodes, I just copied and pasted, didn't read, don't know why I didn't, I guess I've read the books...

Spoiler:

Episode #18: “The Prince of Winterfell” Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 20 At Winterfell, Theon receives a visitor and holds down the fort. Arya calls in her final debt with Jaqen (Tom Wlaschiha) in a way that displeases him. Robb is betrayed. Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) and Varys (Conleth Hill) find common ground. Dany ignores Jorah's (Iain Glen) advice. Stannis (Stephen Dillane) and Davos (Liam Cunningham) approach their destination, and Davos is offered a reward. Written by David Benioff & D.B. Weiss; directed by Alan Taylor.

Episode #19: “Blackwater” Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 27 Tyrion and the Lannisters fight for their lives as Stannis’ fleet assaults King’s Landing. Written by George R.R. Martin; directed by Neil Marshall.

I'm still enjoying watching the show, but this season has been pretty boring which I'm a little surprised about because the book was so good. I think I've finally come to my senses and realized that while I really liked the first 3 books, they really do drag on and the carryover to screen isn't helping. It took my about a year to read the 4th book and I'm approaching a year on the 5th (only half way through, no real desire to pick it back up). Maybe it's just me, but by the time they get to those books on HBO, I think there could be some serious issues showing how dull the books can get.

Again, I'll preface this by saying that I haven't read the books, but...

Spoiler:

I didn't buy the release of Jaime by Catelyn. Even if she is worried about her daughters, she seems too savvy and sensible to just send him back with no firm plan for a prisoner exchange or anything. This seemed (along with the Theon betrayal) a poorly motivated plot line that just stems from Martin's desire to complicate the situation. Things would be plenty complicated even without these things happening.

I'm surprised that they revealed that Bran and Rickon were still alive so soon. IMO, they should have let the doubt hang for another episode or so for full effect.

Spoiler:

Did anyone really think they were dead?

It wouldn't be surprising seeing that people who are considered main characters die quite often

Spoiler:

went way too far out of their way to disguise it. No identifiable characteristics other. At no point did I consider it a possibility. Especially since we know that Bran wasn't going to let them stay at that farm. It was clearly stated.

largegarlic wrote:Again, I'll preface this by saying that I haven't read the books, but...

Spoiler:

I didn't buy the release of Jaime by Catelyn. Even if she is worried about her daughters, she seems too savvy and sensible to just send him back with no firm plan for a prisoner exchange or anything. This seemed (along with the Theon betrayal) a poorly motivated plot line that just stems from Martin's desire to complicate the situation. Things would be plenty complicated even without these things happening.

Spoiler:

I believe in the books, she did this after learning that Bran and Rickon were dead. She kinda flew off the handle because she wanted her daughters back. Not sure why they changed that.

Again, the new Mountain is not good. He's actually swimming in his own armor.

he does have a cool voice.

I think I've figured out that even though they have the bigger budget, sets, cast, crew, they haven't told the story as well as they did in season 1. Everything is here, I'm just not being emotionally drawn into as much as the first season, anyone else feeling this?

Does Theon know about the Stark boys? I'm confused about that plot point.

I do believe they want you to wait and see. Have you been watching the 2nd season of Sherlock this year? Looking forward to seeing the episode from last night. Liked the 1st better than the 2nd, kind of like last season